Danilochkina Heads All-Tournament Team

Elena Danilochkina literally shot down the opposition, finishing the tournament on 55 per cent three-point shooting

Russia guard Elena Danilochkina was named as the Most Valuable Player of EuroBasket Women 2011 after sparking her country to a third championship in eight years.

The 25-year-old emerged as her team's most influential player in Poland, shooting over 50% from the field to lead the Russians in scoring while hitting 18 points in both the quarter and semi-finals.

"Elena's young but she's a great player," praised team-mate Maria Stepanova.

"Sometimes when we need it, she tells us to get going. At other times, she gets us to slow down and be patient and play smart. She's become the new leader of our team."

Danilochkina was joined on the All-Tournament Team - which, like the MVP prize, is decided by votes from the media - by Stepanova, with the veteran centre picking up a third European gold medal.

Turkey centre Nevriye Yilmaz, a huge force in her nation's run to their first major final, is also on the team as well as Croatian guard Sandra Mandir, who averaged 14.3 points per game to guide her country to fifth place.

EuroBasket Women's top five is rounded out by Czech forward Eva Viteckova whose head coach Lubor Blazek praised her contribution.

"Eva's a three-point threat," he said. "She's a great defender. She's just been a critical player for us."